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Thursday, June 30, 2011

In honor of my favorite Hellhounds (y’all of course!), I’m adding a Hellhound into my storyline in Hell’s Phoenix (Road to Hell series book 2).The Hellhound will be “female”. I’m not sure of the specifics of her yet, but at the moment, I’m thinking she’ll be some cute little fluff ball (think “lap dog”) until you piss her off or threaten her territory (her people) and then she’ll morph into a 3 headed beast.BUT…she’ll only be introduced in book 2, and her inner demon won’t surface until book 3.However, I need a name for that Hellhound.That’s where YOU come in.As part of the “Signed Pandora’s Box Poster Contest”, I need name suggestions for our Hellhound.Be creative! ONE entry per person. That means ONE name only! So, make sure you suggest your favorite name, and not 40 possible names.Any additional names will be tossed out immediately and not counted.I will collect names through 11:00 o'clock PM CST, July 7th.At that time, I will choose my 5 favorite names and those names will be plugged into a poll and YOU will vote for the final name.The winner of the contest will receive a personalized signed Pandora’s Box poster andI will mention them on the dedication page of Hell’s Phoenix. You'll also have the privilege of bragging to all your friends that YOU came up with the name. =D

RULES:

1. ONE entry per person.

2. Name suggestions will ONLY be taken here. If they’re posted to either of my facebook pages, or by email, they will not count.

3.I have a demon language I’ve created, called Xapil.If you have a name you love, but want to hear what it would sound like in Xapil, then contact me by email and I’ll give it to you. However, it’ll be up to you which name you choose to suggest as the final entry. Chances are, I’ll use both in the book, depending upon the English name.

4.Give me a reason behind the name you pick (if you want). It might make a difference if I pick it as one of the five finalists.
5.Please ask any questions in the comment section below because chances are if you have questions, someone else has the same question.

The winner of the T-Shirt Contest is MINDY FANGEDMOM! Everyone please congratulate her and then run off to enter the Poster Contest. There's a link at the top of the page that you can click to go straight to the contest! =D

Now...for how I completed the scene I asked all of you to complete...

The demon dragged her hard against his granite-like, immoveable chest, knocking the breath from her lungs with their sudden impact. Demon or not, buff beneath his clothing and as unforgiving as concrete, those assets terrified her more! She couldn't compete with strength.

Not even an inhalation moved his rock hard pecs. Testament that he didn't live, or rather evidence he didn't need air to live. If that wasn't enough to prove he was dead, she held her breath, trying to block out his stench. The action failed miserably as his atrocious odor caused her eyes to water.

"I'll provide you security and safety, make you Queen of all Nations. All you need do is consent to come with me now."

Queen of all Nations, huh? What an amazing offer. Kind of like winning the lottery without buying a ticket. She guessed it came with a high price.

A familiar cant stained his voice, yet a gruff unfamiliarity marred it at the same time. Fire eyed or not, buff or not, offering the world or not, he was in her home uninvited, and he stank to high heaven.

She sucked in a breath to scream again. He slammed his mouth over hers, slicing her upper lip against her teeth and cutting off any sound she might have executed. The hand in her hair twisted her head to the side, and he deepened his demonic kiss. His tongue swished inside and flicked across hers, her bleeding mouth making their connection wet and slippery.

Madison grunted and squirmed, slapped and punched, attempting to break free. None of her efforts worked. So, she bit down on his tongue and gagged on his thick, sludgy blood.

He jerked backward and an outraged bellow struck her face, the stench knocking the breath from her lungs. Holding her steady by her hair, his other hand wrapped around her throat and constricted. Awful strangled sounds came from her, as he squeezed tighter and tighter until she thought he'd crush her windpipe.

Amos…

Darkness edged her vision as jagged lightening haloed his silhouette. His grip intensified while thunder rattled the windows.

If he murdered her, Amos would be left all alone with him.

She struggled to lift her arms and rake her nails down his face, but they weighed too much to maneuver accurately. They ended up banging against her thighs like a loose window shutter in a vicious thunderstorm.

In the moments before she thought death would claim her, his face transformed with concise clarity. All thought froze; shocked beyond comprehension, she couldn't believe her eyes. His identity couldn't be right.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

WARNING: Content may be unsuitable for a younger viewing audience. You must be 18 years of age or older to continue reading.

They would suffer. Woe to the individual that made his Madison bawl like she’d lost her world. Micah shut off his cell phone with quiet fury and executed an illegal U-turn on Jefferson Street. Oncoming traffic blew horns. He ignored the irate blares, and gunned his Porsche.

A swift parking job left him straddling two parking spots. He leapt from the vehicle and slammed the door behind him, barely restraining the rage boiling inside him. Barely restraining the urge to sprint across the park to her.

Madison indicated she’d meet him near the water fountain at the center of the recreational area. Quickening his pace, he cast his gaze about, taking note of those strolling in the vicinity.

The moment he topped the small hill, Madison was flung into his view. She sat on the concrete bench that edged the fountain. Her shoulders were slumped forward, her elbows on her knees and her face hidden behind her palms.

Wrath itched beneath his skin like a million stinging wasps. Curling his fists at his sides, he again promised retribution to whoever had caused her distress. He took a moment to relax his taut muscles. Going to her angry wouldn’t help either of them.

Seeing her so broken did nasty things to his restraint. Micah took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. Failed to help his temper. Not a big surprise since he figured nothing would. He went to her, and noted the whispered buzzing he stirred with a group of women to the right. Their gossip would have to be diffused later. Madison needed him more.

Micah placed his hand on Madison’s shoulder. She tensed beneath his touch, but tilted her head back. Red-rimmed blue eyes met his gaze. He resisted his instinct to tug her into his embrace and demand the cause of her anxiety. Resisted telling her he’d seek immediate justice against the one who harmed her.

Madison reacted to his touch, rubbed her palm across her pants and squeezed his hand resting on her shoulder. Her response appeased his instincts and tamed the demon within demanding swift justice.

“I shouldn’t have called you,” she said, her voice raspy from crying. “I just didn’t know who…there was no one else to—” A tiny head shake and her gaze fell away, as did her hand.

Friendless? Was that what she indicated by her broken sentences? Any fool could discern girls weren’t her friends because they envied her. Males weren’t her friends because they all wanted her. He silently promised to give her friends so loyal they’d die for her.

“I’m glad you called. Let me,” he said and gave a little pull on her backpack. She allowed him to ease it off, tugging her arms free of the straps. Micah placed it between his feet as he sat beside her on the concrete surface, leaving less than an inch between them. “You want to tell me what’s going on?”

Or point me in the instigator’s direction so I can kill them slowly?

“Not really,” she said looking everywhere but at him. The crying was over, that was a good start. Good for his temper too.

“You terrified me. I broke a handful of laws rushing to you.”

She turned her head to look at him. Her eyes remained puffy, but she’d be good as new in a few hours, all evidence of her weeping eradicated. “Sure you did.”

Easy to discern she believed that like she believed a bad pick-up line.

“I did a U-turn into oncoming traffic, went well over seventy down Jefferson Street and parked illegally.” Micah brushed his knuckles across her cheekbone and her eyelids went half-mast at the gentle touch. “Why are my actions so hard for you to believe?”

“I believe every teenager thinks their parents don’t love them or are unreasonable.”

“Not every teenager’s father blames her for gaining unwanted attention from men.”

Those words were spoken so solemnly, Micah knew not to question their validity. The floodgates on his temper burst wide open again and he struggled to keep his voice flat. “Anyone who has met you knows you’re above reproach, charmingly innocent.”

And driving me fucking crazy with her innocence.

“When men stare at me and flirt with me without any enticement from me,” she chewed on her thumb nail, “that’s damning enough in Daddy’s eyes. An innocent girl wouldn’t provoke such an action.”

What an ass her father is! Maybe a few screws loose too for him to think such nonsense. He hadn’t met a pastor yet that didn’t have a few screws loose. Causing the father problems wouldn’t be a bit of a problem; a juicy sex scandal should do the job nicely.

“I cannot speak for the other men, Madison, but I only seek friendship from you.” A lie to damn his soul, but for a worthy individual. “Is he who upset you today?”

“Mr. Dominus—”

“Micah,” he corrected. “You called me in crisis, and gave me a mini heart attack. I believe I deserve a small boon. Call me Micah.“

A touch of a smile. “You’re dangerous…Micah.”

She made him work for each small victory, but damned if they weren’t satisfying when he won them.

He grinned and nudged her with his shoulder. “Not all that dangerous.” At least not dangerous to you. “Back to my question, what upset you today?”

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Six Sentence Sunday comes from my short paranormal erotic romance, Fairy Casanova, out now from Decadent Publishingand part of the 1NightStand series. I invite you to read the prequel to Pandora's Box (book one in the Road to Hell series, coming soon from Decadent Publishing) by clicking on the "Lessons" at the top of the page. Now for Fairy Casanova and Six Sentences...

“You’re a fairy? Give me a break.”

“It’s true.”

Sadie glared at him, any amusement she might have felt shifting straight into irritation. “How fantastic for you.” And horrifying for me!

BLURB:

Las Vegas lawyer, Sadie Sinclair, has hit rock bottom. Bankrupt, with her reputation ruined, and her fiancé is yachting Aruba with a hot babe. Desperate for a break from reality, she contacts 1NightStand and is shocked to discover she's been paired with a sexy fairy.

Jace is about to become King of the fairies. One minor glitch, he's obsessed with humans. Before becoming King, he wants one night with a human before he's forever forbidden from crossing into the human realm. After a stellar night of sex, Jace is surprised to discover Sadie isn't just a human, but his mate. Complicating everything with the revelation, he's willing to forfeit his kingdom for her, but Sadie must decide if he's worth the biggest gamble yet.

EXCERPT:

"May I make love to you now?" Jace wasn't sure he could wait much longer to claim the sensuous woman in his arms. The way she fondled his wings turned him the fuck on, and he struggled not to take her to the floor and thrust deep inside her.

Sadie stared at his mouth as if she would consume him. Her lips were slightly parted and dewy from his kisses. The warmth of her body fused with his, creating a unique sensation of oneness.

"No, but you can fuck me now." Her voice emerged raspy, dark with excitement, and he was pleased by her bold request. A woman who knew what she wanted—so thrilling to his libido.

Jace kissed her. He caressed her thigh, worshipping the smooth texture of her skin. Her soft moans filled his sensitive ears as he moved his fingers lower, tickled the back of her knee, and dipped his hand beneath the hemline of her dress. Gliding his palm upward, the material pleated into wrinkles over his wrist.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

WARNING: Content may be unsuitable for a younger viewing audience. You must be 18 years of age or older to continue reading.

While Madison walked the couple of blocks home, she ruminated over the enigma of Micah Dominus. His friend routine might be more believable if not for his air of worldliness. He sure had the town abuzz with everything from his career, to his political connections and his choice in lady friends. He was too intense for her to be totally at ease with him, but he was charming too. A scary kind of charming, because she wantedto ditch common sense and like the man despite her misgivings.

As she walked up the driveway to her home, she perused a red Mazda with local license plates as she strolled past it. A peek at her watch told her it was too early for Momma to be home from her spa appointment. The hour was earlier than Madison had planned to be home too, but if Jen had cooperated, she wouldn’t be here now.

Daddy probably counseled a church parishioner. He often guided members on various problems in their life, or just lent a sympathetic ear. She’d have to rush past his office with near silent tread to escape becoming embroiled in polite conversation.

She let herself in through the back door at the kitchen. After grabbing a bag of chips, she snagged the pitcher of tea from the fridge and poured a glass of the sugary stuff, before making a hasty beeline for her bedroom. Her Daddy’s office door was open and no parishioner sat inside.

Hmm…where could Daddy be? And who was with him?

Sipping her tea, she climbed the stairs to the second floor. A sound came from Momma and Daddy’s bedroom. Was it a grunt? Or maybe a groan?Sounded like someone was in pain, but…she hesitated in the hallway and didn’t hear anything further so decided it was her imagination.

As she turned to head to her bedroom, a louder moan echoed down the hall. No longer able to pretend she’d heard nothing, she altered her direction. If one of her parents were injured, she would feel guilty if she failed to investigate.

“Daddy?” she knocked on her parents’ bedroom door. “You in there?” More grunts and groans, but no reply. “You okay?” A muffled sound like someone might be gagging.

Using the hand holding the bag of chips, she jiggled the doorknob to their bedroom. Unlocked. She called out, “Daddy?” as she pushed it open.

Two steps in, she froze.

Oh, my god!

The scene playing out before her was what she guessed a porn movie was like. Deacon Ronald from Daddy’s church thrust and grunted between Momma’s naked legs, while Momma’s torso was twisted in such a fashion to give Deacon Maxwell a blowjob. High-pitched, continuous noises of whimpers and moans came from Momma.

Not moans of pain, but…gratification.

Bile rose to the back of her throat and Madison choked it down. She dropped her chips and tea, barely noting the sharp tinny sound of glass shattering on hardwood.

The Deacons ignored her obvious presence, their eyes glazed with stark undisturbed pleasure, as if entranced.But Momma released Deacon Maxwell’s…uh…um… privates long enough to turn and face her. Madison expected panic and desperate entreaties not to tell Daddy of her fornication. Instead, Momma offered up a scandalous smile and went back down on Deacon Maxwell.

Madison fled down the stairs at a dead run. What would happen when Daddy discovered Momma’s adultery? At the very least, heated screams and rants of godly retribution. The things he accused Madison of and punished her for didn’t compare to Momma’s sin. And she couldn’t believe he’d be able to force Momma to her knees and make her pray as he did her. Regardless of the magnitude of Momma’s very real sin.

Divorce might be on the menu. Even though he didn’t believe in the nasty “D” word, said it was born of the other “D” word—the devil—Momma’s indiscretion might alter his attitude.

She wrenched the front door open, tripped and almost fell down the four stairs to the walkway before catching her footing with a hand on the railing. Her one goal was to get away from Momma’s wicked ways. She couldn’t be there when her mother exited that bedroom with her Daddy’s deacons.

I’ll eventually have to look her in the eye. What will Momma say to me? What will I say to Momma? No way could she pretend everything was normal!

Madison’s pace didn’t lag as she sprinted down the street toward the local park. Pedestrians gawked at her as she swerved around them. Not until she slammed into the pay phone, panting and gasping, did she realize silent tears ran down her cheeks.

She yanked the phone off the receiver, dug coins out of the bottom of her purse and shoved them into the slot. She dialed the number she’d memorized and rapped her forehead against the pay phone as she waited for the call to connect.

“Hello,” Micah's deep, sensual voice said smoothly into her ear.

At the sound of his voice, she burst into tears, unable to get a single syllable out.

His voice turned deadly. Dark and gruff. She could believe he intended harm to someone. “Are you hurt?”

“No,” she gasped out. “No,” she reiterated to assure herself, as she swiped at the tears.

“Are you presently in danger?”

What an odd question, this wasn’t 007 territory. She shook her head until she realized he couldn’t see her. “No.”

When your husband declares you aren’t enough after ten years, don’t get mad… Get a Bic and start a bonfire!

When Sabrina’s husband decides to move on to greener, and freer pastures, she knows she has to move on herself. Wounded and alone, she escapes to a friend’s cabin to think about her future…and burn her past. Literally.

Can she rise from the ashes of her marriage a new woman, or did she lose too much trying to salvage an illusion? Dealing with the heartache of her new reality, she meets a mystery man in the backwoods. One that makes her burn with desire.

Once just a soldier, now Travis is something…more. His last tour changed him in more ways than one. Can he come to terms with what he is, while dealing with the mixture of lust and possessiveness Bree brings out in him? Or is her past too much for him to handle?

REVIEW:

My rating: 5 out of 5 Hellhounds

Let me start by saying I LOVED this story. In the face of a recent divorce, Sabrina’s trust has taken a bad blow. She goes on a secluded retreat to her friend’s cabin to burn old memories. And when I say burn, I mean literally. She creates a bonfire out of her ex-husband’s items and cleanses herself by burning them. The first time she meets Travis is funny. She’s surly, because she’s been woken by an early morning knock on the door and not only does she have bed-hair, she’s got morning breath too. I adore imperfect heroines. Sabrina is a fiery woman, with backbone who is unwilling to give up in the face of diversity. Likewise, Travis is dealing with his new abilities—recently turned into a shapeshifting snow leopard—, along with dealing with the death of his friend, but he’s the type of tough teddy bear us ladies love! Travis can be my mate any day!

This is a short story, well-written, and fun, with some laugh-out-loud giggling moments. The characters are likeable, their heartache and anger believable, with smoldering intimate scenes. Even when they’re not in the bedroom, the characters are blazing up the pages with sexual appeal. Fantastic job Nicole Hicks and even more kudos since it’s her first release!! All of Nicole’s future books will definitely be on my “must have” list!

Friday, June 24, 2011

I want to turn YOU into the author for this contest. I'll give you the scene, you just need to finish it out with a sentence or two, a paragraph or more...whatever it takes to complete it! No, you don't have to do it eloquently or even great...I'm not asking for "best seller" stuff here. If all you feel comfortable doing is "telling" me how you think the scene should progress (rather than write out a creative scene), then that's good enough for me. The point is for you to envision where you "think" the scene should or would go. At the end of the contest, I'll post how I finished out the scene in Pandora's Box.

This is NOT a writing skills contest and anyone that participates IS eligible to win. When the contest is over, I'll have random.org draw one winner of those that participated. But be creative and email me your comments to roadtohellseries@gmail.com, but make sure you leave me a comment HERE stating that you sent me an email, so everyone else will know who all and how many entered the contest.

The contest ends at midnight CST, June 30th, so you have plenty of time to think up something fun, witty, scary...you get the idea! At the end of the contest, I'll post all the entries in a separate post for all to see and love what you came up with! If you don't want yours posted, just tell me and I won't post it. I have NO desire to embarass anyone either.

DO have fun with this. DO be creative. Go as dark, sweet, funny, or sultry as you want. There are no age restrictions on the content written, just remember I do plan to post these at the end of the contest so if you don't want something posted, TELL ME in the email!!! You will receive credit for the content you write.

You MUST be 18 years of age to participate in the contest. Please ask any questions in the comment section below because chances are if you have questions, someone else has the same question.

HERE IS THE SCENE TO COMPLETE:

The demon dragged her hard against his granite-like, immoveable chest, knocking the breath from her lungs with their sudden impact. Demon or not, buff beneath his clothing and as unforgiving as concrete, those assets terrified her more! She couldn't compete with strength.

Not even an inhalation moved his rock hard pecs. Testament that he didn't live, or rather evidence he didn't need air to live. If that wasn't enough to prove he was dead, she held her breath, trying to block out his stench. The action failed miserably as his atrocious odor caused her eyes to water.

"I'll provide you security and safety, make you Queen of all Nations. All you need do is consent to come with me now."

*last minute touch-ups on hair as the producer counts down with his fingers…three…two…one…is cued to begin with a red light on the camera*

GRACEN:*sitting straight with legs crossed at the ankles*Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.Today’s guests are Sabrina Coswell, and Travis Matalark, who come to us from newly released Snow’s Heat.Their creator is the lovely Nicole Hicks. *turns toward guests as audience applauds* I’m glad all of you could join us today and I’m super excited about the upped release date for Snow’s Heat!!!First off, give us the buy link for Snow’s Heat:

GRACEN:Now to the hard questions…Travis, tell us how you and Sabrina first met. What was your first impression of Sabrina?

TRAVIS:Well you know that would be two separate things. *raises eyebrows and looks hotly at Sabrina before looking back at Gracen* Absolute first impression would get me in trouble… *puts hand on Bree’s knee* and this cougar has claws *ducks as Bree swings playfully at the back of his head* but regardless she definitely intrigued me. *Grins*

GRACEN:*chuckles* Sabrina, what was your first impression of Travis?

SABRINA: *grins largely* Well my first impression was quite obvious so I can be honest here. First thought was Grrr backwoods hill-billy, early morning asses… but when he turned away I was treated to a NICE ass!

GRACEN:Care to show off that “nice ass” to the viewing public, Travis? *waggles eyebrows* I’m just kidding…but kinda not. *pouts* Travis, I understand you’re unique. Would you mind telling us about that part of yourself?

TRAVIS: Well I suppose the “cat” is out of the bag at this point… I was attacked while on a mission and now shift into a Snow Leopard. Once you get past the “Crap I’m hallucinating” part its actually pretty cool.

GRACEN:I bet. Climbing trees would be so much fun! And to surprise people by pouncing on them. *chuckles* Oh, what fun! *sighs dreamily thinking of all the fun, until the producers coughs* Ahem…Did Sabrina react the way you thought she would upon discovering you could shapeshift into a Snow Leopard?

TRAVIS: Bree act as someone expects? *Laughs* No… I think it’s safe to say that she didn’t react as any sane errr normal errrr no… no not how I expected….

GRACEN:Sabrina, does Travis have any weird cat affections in human form?

SABRINA: Hmmmm you know after that last answer of his I’m really tempted to expound on that…. But I’ll be the mature one here…. *gives Travis a sideways look* no comments young man!

GRACEN:I’m intrigued by the possibilities. Sabrina, I understand you’re dangerous with a Bic lighter. How instrumental was Travis in helping you during that cleansing moment in your life?

SABRINA: *smiles sweetly* You know I tend to always keep a Bic with me for that just in case moment. *raises eyebrows* But seriously, he made a huge difference. More than I would have expected.

GRACEN:Travis, do you have anything to add?

TRAVIS: The only thing I could add is …. Ouch…. And I’m glad that wasn’t aimed at me!

GRACEN:*grins* I sure wouldn’t want to piss her off after that bonfire.

GRACEN:Sabrina, what is Travis’s aphrodisiac?

SABRINA: *snickers* you mean like playing chase? Oh no wait that would be a fetish… Maybe catnip? Or cream? *blushes*

GRACEN:Goodness, that “cream” scene was a hawt one not to be missed.Travis, is she right? How would you have answered that question?

TRAVIS:*licks his lips with a small smile* Yeah I would say she answered that quite well.

GRACEN:*stares at his lips, then shakes head and goes back to the interview* What’s the one spot guaranteed to drive your lover crazy with passion?

TRAVIS:Are you talking physically? Or Location? *laughs*

SABRINA: *laughs* I’m not sure that would be a safe question to answer with as much as I’ve heard that people want to steal Travis… *winks at Gracen*

GRACEN:*leans forward and whispers to Sabrina* Well, Travis is yummy.

*producer makes a circular motion with his hands to keep the show going*

GRACEN:Ahem…What do you think your biggest obstacle is for creating a lasting relationship?

SABRINA: Well *looks at Travis* we all have baggage, and it’s just a matter of dealing with it to make a couple last.

TRAVIS: Nothing as far as I’m concerned. We’ll make it. *leers at Bree*

GRACEN:What’s the one thing you think will guarantee a successful long-term relationship?

SABRINA: Honesty.

TRAVIS: A Good sex life!!! *chuckles*

GRACEN:Good sex is a must, but so is honesty.

GRACEN:If you have children, what complications do you think may rise with Travis’s unique shapeshifting ability? How do you think you’ll handle it together? Or explain it to your other children, Sabrina?

SABRINA: Well I imagine that the kids will have questions. That’s actually something we’re talking about now… As for having other children, well it’s a bit early for that don’t you think?

NICOLE:Lol! Hi Gracen. *smiles* Bree and Travis are a bit hard to follow! *laughs* Instrumental huh? Well actually a couple of people have been. My kids have been definitely. How can you tell them to reach for their dreams if you haven’t yourself? My husband James is the one who initially encouraged me to start writing again. But the ones who got me to keep going are my friends, other writers, and an “online” kiddo who wants to be a writer. I would like to give a shout out: James, JoJo, Kayla, Mags, JoAnne, Deena, Jen, Christine, and the Hell Hound Momma *nods to Gracen*. Writing may be a solitary occupation but it takes a crew of people to actually make it happen. *smiles*

GRACEN:*blushes* You’re sure right about that.It’s a solo career, but fabulous friends—especially author friends—keep us buoyant in the big ocean of lonely.

GRACEN:How long have you been writing and was there a defining moment when you realized you wanted a career in writing?

NICOLE:The first poem I remember writing was when I was nine. But I always remember telling stories. I hate to sound cliché but it was something I always wanted to do~ Be able to make worlds that people could lose themselves in, with characters that they could relate to in some way.

GRACEN:Is there any particular scene that is especially near and dear to your heart in Snow’s Heat? If so, what is it and why?

NICOLE: Just one scene? *Laughs* Hmmm, that’s a toughie. How about one of my favorite scenes? I think the bonfire scene is one of them, definitely. Sabrina does something that I think every woman has wanted to do at some point in her life. That takes real balls to do. *looks at Bree with a smile*. Of course it also takes balls for a man to approach a woman who’s doing what she was.

GRACEN:*nods* Takes balls for a man to start a relationship with a woman who’s been emotionally manhandled the way Bree has too. *thumbs up to Travis* You’re one helluva guy.

GRACEN:What is your favorite aspect of writing? And what is your least favorite part about writing?

NICOLE: Favorite aspect of writing? Well that would be the conceptual birth of the stories and the day of release.*big grin* Yeah those are my favorite!Least favorite? Hmmm… That would be writing the synopsis *shudders* that’s its own personal hell, and the submission process… That six to eight week wait is a killer!

GRACEN:What other projects do you have going?

NICOLE: LOL! Well between edits I have the prequel and book two of the Prowling around series, Catting Around a first POV cougar shifter book that hits as a romantic- comedy, No Dogs Allowed~ a first POV short for a multi-author series I’d like to get in on, and a horror/suspense/comedy.Hmm is that all? Oh and a hose shifter book. Lol… When I get the chance to write that is. J

GRACEN:*raises hand* Stupid question…what’s a “hose shifter” book?

GRACEN: What does your family think of your writing career?

NICOLE:There are mixed reactions of course. *laughs* but that may be because of the fact that it is an 18+ tale. For the most part they seem proud, that I actually made it happen, that I didn’t give up on my dreams.

GRACEN:I’m really proud you didn’t give up on your dreams, because we wouldn’t have Snow’s Heat if you did!!I’m so proud of you!*hugs ya*

GRACEN:What do you do to unwind and relax?

NICOLE:LOL! You mean other than making up drinks and of course trying them out to make sure they’re any good? *winks* Actually it depends on the situation. I enjoy cooking when stressed, reading when I’m at my wits end, watching anime when I can’t look at the laptop anymore, and recently I’ve started playing Disc Golf. That can be therapeutic let me tell you! *winks*

GRACEN:Do you have any suggestions for new or aspiring authors?

NICOLE: Don’t give up. If it is your dream, hold on tight. Ask people who are honest for their opinions, and self-edit! There are tons of sites or blogs that have editing hints- like said is dead, was is a bad thing and needs to be taken out as much as possible, and then is a no-no. :D But most importantly keep at it. How can you reach the stars when you refuse to fly?

GRACEN: *chuckling over your editing hints* Good pointers I wish I’d known when I was starting out.

GRACEN:Nicole, would you describe yourself as a devil or angel?

NICOLE: Ouch that’s a double whammy of a question! LOL! I try to be angelic, but I’m definitely more of a devil! ^-^

GRACEN:Please explain why you’re an (angel/devil)?

NICOLE: While I try to help others my mind tends to head towards the gutter on scenarios. I have a snarky sense of humor. I think I’m just a *clears throat* tad too dirty minded to be considered angelic. *smiles sweetly*

GRACEN:Psst…embrace the naughty side! There’s free chocolate and more than enough sin to go around…and I’m working on corrupting some angels. *laughs*

GRACEN:If you could have one magical item only, what would it be and why?

NICOLE: Hmmm the possibilities… Just one? *sigh* I would want one that would allow me to be able to shapeshift. As for the why? Because one day I could be me… one day I could be a “bitch” and one day I could be “catty” ^-^

GRACEN:What would be the first thing you do with this magical item?

NICOLE: Why use it of course! LOL! No actually I’d prolly go cat, since those are the shifters that are yowling for my attention right now.

GRACEN:If you could spend one night with anyone in the world (doing whatever you want, chatting, getting intimate, getting drunk or something altogether different, doesn’t matter whatever you want), who would it be and why?

NICOLE: LOL! Wow I could get in to some real trouble with this one! Oh the names going through my mind… Kevin Costner before he got … errr older~ Robin Hood waterfall scene what? ^-^ Johnny Depp before his roles took a turn towards psycho… A young Sean Connery… Just turn the lights off and have him talk dirty to me *sighs dreamily* That voice is to die for! Jean-Claude Van Damme… Can you say flexible?

Vin Deisel…. HAWT!Dang so many hawties… Just one? *huffs* that’s not fair!

GRACEN:I’ll just steal your snow leopard *winks at Travis* while you’re playing with all those hawties…okay? *giggles*

*producer starts the countdown with his fingers*

GRACEN:Well, that’s all the time we have.I hope you enjoyed this segment.Sabrina, Travis and Nicole, do any of you have anything else you want to say to anyone watching today?

NICOLE: LOL! Just a huge thank you Gracen for taking time for this! It was a blast! Of course I expect nothing else while spending time with you! As for anything else? I hope everyone enjoys Bree and Travis’ story. And I’ll answer any questions I can without giving too much away! ;)

Snow’s Heat available now at Summerhouse Publishing. To learn more about their creator, Nicole Hicks, or to find out about her other projects, you can find her here:

When your husband declares you aren’t enough after ten years, don’t get mad… Get a Bic and start a bonfire!

When Sabrina’s husband decides to move on to greener, and freer pastures, she knows she has to move on herself. Wounded and alone, she escapes to a friend’s cabin to think about her future…and burn her past. Literally.

Can she rise from the ashes of her marriage a new woman, or did she lose too much trying to salvage an illusion? Dealing with the heartache of her new reality, she meets a mystery man in the backwoods. One that makes her burn with desire.

Once just a soldier, now Travis is something…more. His last tour changed him in more ways than one. Can he come to terms with what he is, while dealing with the mixture of lust and possessiveness Bree brings out in him? Or is her past too much for him to handle?

SNOW’S HEAT EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

The sun shone brightly in the small cabin at an ungodly hour. Bree covered her eyes with a groan, feeling the bottle of wine she’d drank the night before coming back to haunt her. She pulled her arm away long enough to check the time on her watch before groaning in earnest. Seven thirty-five in the freaking morning! Where were those damn curtains? Or mini blinds? Something to cover those blasted windows and keep out the bright as hell sun and quiet those loud woodpeckers!

Wait…. Woodpeckers? This close to the house?

She pushed up into a sitting position and listened again before groaning louder. Wouldn’t it just figure that some backwoods idiot was up at this hour and thought since they were everyone else should be too? She clambered to her feet before starting for the front door. If this were just a neighborly meet and greet, they would not like the greeting they were about to get! She pulled open the door, fully aware she had bedhead, her breath stank of the wine from the night before and she was pretty sure she still had those annoying sleep marks on her face mere humans got—ones she never saw in the movies. But what stood on her porch was enough to make the woman in her perk up and come to attention before hanging her head in shame at the way she looked, even if he was way younger than she was.

The man on her front porch stood an inch or two above her own five foot eleven inch height and looked about twenty-five. Down girl, he’s at least ten years younger than you. Even in the backwoods they have standards. He was muscular with arms that made her dream of being wrapped securely in them, a closely cropped head of hair that begged to be finger combed and hazel eyes that shone with a world-weary look and intelligence. Intelligence that at this very moment had a sarcastic gleam to match the snarl-like smile on his lips. Realizing she gaped at the stranger, she closed her open jaw, ran a hand through her hair and stood straighter, trying to make it all seem casual and nonchalant. The longer he stared silently at her, the more it got her goat.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Six Sentence Sunday comes from my erotic fantasy/paranormal romance, Elfin Blood, out now from Noble Romance Publishing. I invite you to read the prequel to Pandora's Box (book one in the Road to Hell series, coming soon from Decadent Publishing) by clicking on the "Lessons" at the top of the page. Now for Elfin Blood’s Six Sentences...

“Find another seat,” she said with a harsh glare and didn’t appreciate his mocking chuckle.

“Tsk…tsk,” he said, the corners of his eyes crinkling with laughter. “You’re

causing another scene.”

“I don’t give a shit.” She had the feeling he enjoyed provoking her.

He righted the chair before she could stop him and said, “Watch your language, Jewel.”

Goodreads reviews and ratings for Elfin Blood can be seen on the right-hand side of the page, near the bottom.

BLURB:

Scorned by her own kind for her half-breed elf status, Julija lives a lonely existence among her Ivory Elf kin. She is the only one the elves can trust when a magical book in elf lore is stolen. Relegated to steal the Book from the vampire thief, Landau Jamieson, she's surprised to discover he has the ability to walk in daylight. Refusing to be deterred by developing setbacks, she’s committed to executing the heist for an Ivory King who grows more desperate to possess the Book. Nothing about the vampire is as it appears and Julija begins to doubt her mission. Worse, she begins to worry she won't have the strength to guard her heart from her sworn enemy.

Landau is fascinated by the elf stalking him and baffled by the potent hunger she elicits after ten thousand years of celibacy. Soon he discovers the lovely sprite is a pawn in a dangerous game--orchestrated by none other than a reviled enemy from his past. While blind-sided by her beauty and her magical powers, the least of which is the spell she casts on his heart, the sinister plot unfolds. What started out as folly to catch a thief, blossoms into a love that casts aside bloodlines and forges all boundaries.

EXCERPT:

Their eyes held as he tossed her denims over his shoulders. He buried his hand in her hair, kneading her scalp with his fingers.

“This.” His palm flattened over her bare pussy and she flinched at the jolt of heat shooting through her. “Is beautiful.”

He tugged against her hair, holding her steady as he leaned over her and put his mouth to her breasts through the thin fabric. The scrape of his teeth against the cloth caused her to whimper and arch beneath him.

“Can you tone it down a bit,” he asked, grazing his fangs along the underside of her breast.

“Tone what down?”

“The music.” He rose to his knees, his features pinched.

“I’m not making that music.” Julija was too busy trying to catch her breath to worry about the melody. The pads of his fingers rolled her nipples through the fabric while the palm of his other hand rubbed the outer folds of her sex. She squirmed, itching to press her thighs together to alleviate her escalating arousal.

Julija touched him for the first time, tracing his wide, sexy lips with her finger—lips she’d fantasized about.

“I’m not a Jewel Master,” she said, baffled by his statement. She traced the point of a protruding fang. “Ow!” she cried, jerking her finger back to peer at the blood beading the pad of her index finger.

Quick as a snake striking, he reached out and placed her finger against the center of his lips. Mired between fascination and horror, she watched as he used her blood to paint his mouth red. Landau licked his lips. The pleasure flaring across his face nearly brought her to orgasm. Again, he painted his lips with her blood, his eyes rolling with delight when he swiped the moisture away.

Landau dragged his tongue over her finger, cleansing the blood from her flesh. He squeezed and blood beaded to the surface. Again, he licked the digit like it was his personal lollipop. She gyrated beneath him, undulated her hips into his thigh. Had she missed the anatomy lesson that said fingers were erogenous zones?

He sucked her finger into his mouth, his gaze holding hers steady as he sipped nourishment from the tiny wound. A moan tore from her. He suckled again, a hard drag that tweaked her clitoris.

“Mmm.” She moaned, arching her back, needing him inside her.

A grin skirted his lips as her vampire suckled. She cried out as an orgasm jerked through her, surprising and embarrassing her.

Landau chuckled. “You’re easy, Jewel Master.”

Easy, yes. Sex-starved too.

“I don’t know what that is.” Her ragged breath hitched as she tried to orient herself and follow the conversation.

“How can you not?” His brows met his hairline, showing his surprise. “Jewel Masters are rare, but still . . . .” He eyed her speculatively. “You’re joking, right?”

Julija didn’t think she could muster a verbal response so she shook her head.

“I’ll show you,” he said, his gaze determined. He looked at the jewels surrounding them on the bed, his fingers skimming through them until he located a diamond at least ten carats in size. He pressed the flat side against a nipple. “Can you feel it vibrating?”

“Yes.” She strangled on the word. The vibration against her nipple was connected to her vagina.

“Only a Jewel Master can make it do that.” Landau trailed the diamond to the other breast and smiled at her moan of pleasure. “I’m not a Jewel Master,” he said. “Wood Elves create Jewel Masters.” He clarified the last sentence with, “I don’t have Wood Elf in me. You do.”

Mischief darkened his gaze as he dragged the vibrating diamond down her belly, circled her navel and then slid it downward to the flesh at the apex of her thighs.

As if entranced, Landau spread her vaginal lips and pressed the gem against her clitoris. The diamond acted like a tiny, wicked vibrator.

Five seconds. She panted. Ten seconds. She panted faster. Fifteen sec— She climaxed a second time. The diamond launched into hyper-vibration drive, the harmony wobbled her eardrums, the melody so loud, Landau flinched.

He slid the rock lower, soaking the crystal with her wetness. He pressed the gemstone against her entrance; the humming diamond grew louder, vibrated rapidly against her swollen flesh.

Grimacing at the decibel level, Landau removed the stone from her body. “Proof,” Landau said, sounding strangled. When she focused on him, his eyes turned blood red and he looked turned-on, like her. “You’re a Jewel Master.”

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Thanks so much, Gracen, for having me here today! For readers who don’t know, I write erotic romance with my husband under the pen name Adriana Kraft.

When Lara Zielinsky proposed that the Sapphic Planet authors create a twelve-book Lesbian series on the signs of the Zodiac, hubs and I knew immediately which sun sign we wanted to write and who we’d match our heroine up with: Cancer and Aquarius. You can connect with the entire collection of Sapphic Signs HERE, and our story for Cancer just joined them yesterday: The Lady Wants More.

The two of us have lived the Cancer/Aquarius combination all our married lives, so we know up close and personal how these two signs fit together. Or not. To have some fun with it, we decided a little research wouldn’t hurt. Here’s a paragraph from Astrology.com HERE that made my husband laugh out loud – oh, did I say he’s the Aquarian, I’m Cancer?

“Paradoxically combining a love of travel with a deep need for security, you (Cancer) surround yourself with sentimental objects from the past, including souvenirs, hand-me-downs and keepsakes. Cancerians are remarkably good at accumulating things; indeed, you can be unwilling to throw anything out.”

Um. Desperately cleaning closets as I write! That also applies to our memories – Cancer tends to cling to the way things were. Naturally I tend to think that all those things –keepsakes and memories – are going to be useful. If nothing else, I’ll put them in a book!

Here’s another one from the same source:

“The emblem for Cancer is the Crab, a creature with a very hard shell which protects a soft interior. The crab walks sideways, which is how the Cancerian skirts around a problem until forced to take it on with gritty determination and a creative flair.”

I love the “creative flair” reference, but have to cop to the sideways style. I’d always much rather take an indirect approach and solve a problem without a frontal attack.

As you can see, living with a Cancer Sun Sign can be a trial – all the more so, if your sun sign is Aquarius, according to Zodiac Signs:

“They are very unconventional and always full of excitement. An Aquarius friend always makes life fun…Conventional people beware, Aquarius likes to shock and deviate from the norm, this is how they live.”
So that’s the challenge we set for our two characters, Janet Baxter (Cancer) and Brenda Cassidy (Aquarius):

BLURB
The Lady Wants More: Janet Baxter keeps her post-divorce life neatly compartmentalized: Secure job, spacious Westchester County home, successful adult children, dependable community volunteer activities. Why is she drawn – for the first time ever – to attend her twenty-year college reunion in New York City?
Always a free spirit, Brenda Cassidy is comfortably bisexual and has no plans to ever settle down. But a fling? The reappearance of svelte, reserved Janet Baxter in Brenda’s life is nothing less than a gift, worthy of every enticement Brenda can conjure up. Can Brenda seduce Janet into an endless night of the lovemaking they enjoyed too briefly as college roommates? What if the lady wants more?

EXCERPT
Brenda spun around to face Janet when they got to the far corner of the dance floor. She knew Janet would prefer to be in the corner rather than on the front edge where bar patrons could easily gawk at them. She, herself, preferred center stage but—she grinned at her partner—tonight she’d cater to Janet’s desires. She just wished she could get a better read on her former roommate’s desires. Did they include her, yet? There was no need to rush things now that they’d reconnected after all these years.

Brenda had already decided that Janet needed, once again, to break out of her shell and get on with her life. Of course she’d often been accused of making quick judgments, if not rash ones. But surely the universe hadn’t crossed their paths just so they could share a drink and swap life stories. While she wasn’t looking for a permanent relationship, whatever that was, she was always on the lookout for a relationship that might offer enough challenge and spice to keep her going for more than a night or two.

Brenda grinned at Janet. She knew for certain this tall dark haired women with gorgeous long legs could provide ample challenge and spice for some time. She held out her hands, interlaced her fingers with Janet’s and picked up the beat to the fast paced hip hop music. At arm’s length they swayed and stepped to the music. They circled each other.

Brenda filled her lungs. Her body throbbed with the music. Her brain clicked into hypersensitive mode—once again, she’d become the huntress. “Are you ready for me?”

A couple more excerpts (with a little more spice) are posted at my blog, with more about the book.
Adriana on the web:http://adrianakraft.com/